Breathing aid for swimmers

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a breathing aid for swimmers, having a mouthpiece ( 1 ) which has an exhalation valve, wherein, starting from the mouthpiece, a two-part air hose ( 9, 10 ) leads to a head part ( 2 ) which receives the respective hose ends of the two-part air hose. According to the invention, the head part ( 2 ) has a frame-like, resilient supporting surface ( 20 ) which, when used, rests against the back of the swimmer&#39;s head. Provided in the head part is a recess for an inhalation valve ( 7 ), wherein the recess having the inhalation valve is located opposite the supporting surface. Furthermore, in at least one of the air hoses there is an insert ( 8 ) for length adjustment, and the inhalation and exhalation valves are each embodied in the form of a flutter valve and are also preferably configured with identical structures.

The invention relates to a breathing aid for swimmers, comprising amouthpiece having an exhalation valve, wherein, starting from themouthpiece, a two-part air hose leads to a head part which receives therespective hose ends of the two-part air hose, according to patent claim1.

A breathing aid, configured as a snorkel with a two-part air hose and amouthpiece having an exhalation valve is described in US 2007/0267012.The air hose described in this document is configured to be flexible inthe area adjacent to the mouthpiece and is formed of an injection-moldedplastic part.

WO 01/05650 shows a swimming snorkel, comprising two air pipes which,starting from a mouthpiece, have an angled shape. In the area of theopen ends of the pipe sections a connection bridge is provided.

The underwater breathing device according to US 2004/0035414 A1 is basedon a one-part air hose. Both hose ends, i.e. the end of the hose nearthe mouthpiece and the end spaced from the mouthpiece, each have valveinserts.

The generic diving apparatus, in particular designed as a snorkel,according to EP 1 194 329 B1 comprises a snorkel tube which starts froma mouthpiece as a resilient air hose divided into two, wherein theindividual hoses, which start from the mouthpiece and rest against thehead of the user, extend along the latter in the state of use, andwherein an air inlet opening occupies a position at the rear of thehead. The construction proposed there is to prevent sections of the airhose or the partial air hoses from being filled with exhaled air duringthe exhalation. Thus, it is ensured that only fresh external air issucked in during the inhalation.

According to this solution a non-return valve is arranged in each of theindividual hoses, which prevents the exhaled air from flowing back intothe individual hoses. In addition, a pressure control valve is arrangedon the mouthpiece which, when a predetermined air pressure is reached,forms a flow connection between the interior of the individual hoses andthe outside environment. Used, exhaled air is not conducted through aseparate return hose to the area of the air inlet opening, but flows outof the diving apparatus directly at the mouthpiece so that completelyfresh air is available again for the next inhalation.

According to an embodiment of EP 1 194 329 B1 it is proposed to connectthe outlet opening of the pressure control valve on the outside toanother hose member which preferably conveys the exhaled air laterallytowards the outside from the field of vision.

Although the construction according to EP 1 194 329 B1 has proved itselfin practice, there is a need for a further development in order tosimplify the construction of the snorkel and, moreover, allow alongitudinal adjustment allowing the diving apparatus to be adapted todifferent situations of use.

Based on the foregoing it is, therefore, the object of the invention toprovide a further developed breathing aid for swimmers, comprising amouthpiece having an exhalation valve, wherein, starting from themouthpiece, a two-part air hose leads to a head part which receives therespective hose ends of the two-part air hose, wherein further thenumber of the components to be fabricated for the breathing aid can bereduced, an adaptability to the constitution of the respective swimmercan be achieved, and the inhalation and exhalation resistance isnoticeably reduced.

The solution to the object of the invention is achieved by a breathingaid for swimmers comprising the feature combination according to patentclaim 1. The dependent claims define at least useful embodiments andfurther developments.

Accordingly, there is proposed a breathing aid for swimmers, comprisinga mouthpiece having an exhalation valve, wherein, starting from themouthpiece, a two-part air hose leads to a head part and is combinedagain at this head part. In this regard, the head part receives therespective hose ends of the two-part air hose.

According to the invention the head part has a frame-like, resilientbearing surface the contour of which approximates or corresponds to theanatomical conditions of the back of the head of a human being. Thismeasure significantly improves the wearing comfort of the breathing aid.

Moreover, a recess for an inhalation valve is provided in the head part,wherein the recess including the inhalation valve is located oppositethe aforementioned bearing surface.

Furthermore, an insert for the longitudinal adjustment is provided in atleast one of the air hoses.

The inhalation valve and the exhalation valve are each configured as aflutter valve. Preferably, both valves are identical in construction soas to reduce the number of constructively different single components,and thus the production costs for the breathing aid.

According to the invention the valves each comprise a valve supportwhich respectively receives a valve membrane, wherein one valve caprespectively can be fixed to the valve support. The valve support on theone hand and the valve cap on the other hand limit the path of movementof the respective valve membrane, and thus act like a stop.

In a preferred embodiment the valve support comprises at least twointersecting webs, wherein one of the webs forms a fixing surface or afixing edge for the valve membrane.

The valve cap comprises a web-like projection pointing to the capinside, which is located opposite one of the webs of the valve supportin the assembled state and thus fixes the valve membrane in a clampingmanner, wherein the valve membrane remains movable perpendicular to theclamping axis.

In this embodiment the valve membrane can be fixed by the aforementionedclamping. Supplementing or alternative fixing methods, e.g. by form fitor material fit, are of course conceivable as well.

In a useful further development of the invention it is possible tointegrate the valve support for the inhalation valve in the head part.

However, the valve support is preferably inserted into theaforementioned recess in the head part, wherein a web is located in thearea of the recess, which web is located opposite one of the webs of thevalve support in the assembled state and thus fixes the valve membranein a clamping manner. However, the membrane of the valve remains movableperpendicular to the clamping axis so as to realize the effect of theflutter valve according to the invention.

The valve membrane of the exhalation valve located in the mouthpieceabuts on the inside of the valve cap located there, thereby unblockingthe flow path, wherein the membrane rests against a sealing edge of thevalve support in the direction of inhalation so as to block the flowpath.

In the inhalation valve, which is located in the head part of thebreathing aid, the valve membrane moves, in the direction of inhalation,to the inside of the recess, thereby unblocking the flow path. In thecourse of the exhalation the valve membrane moves to the sealing edge ofthe valve support provided there. Ultimately, the valve membrane restsagainst the sealing edge in the course of the exhalation so as to blockthe flow path, so that the exhalation can be carried out by blowing usedair out through the valve in the mouthpiece.

The respective valve caps are at least partially closed on the frontface and provided with opening slots on the edge or circumference. Thearrangement of the opening slots in the exhalation valve allows the airto flow out without additional measures such that the field of vision ofthe swimmer will not be surrounded by air bubbles.

With regard to the inhalation valve the valve cap is configured andarranged such that an undesired aspiration of water can be prevented.

The insert according to the invention for the longitudinal adjustmentcomprises in at least one hose part, preferably in both hose parts, onesleeve respectively for receiving two pipe sections, wherein an internalthread is formed in the sleeve and an external thread is formed on thepipe sections. By an opposed thread orientation, and upon rotating thesleeve, the distance of the pipe sections and the hose ends connected tosame varies relative to one another, so that the longitudinal adjustmentand adaptation to the anatomical conditions of the respective user areeasily possible.

In one embodiment of the invention the valve support has a sleeve shapeor cylinder shape including the aforementioned intersecting webs,wherein a sealing surface for the valve membrane is provided on or inone of the front faces of the cylinder.

In a further development of the invention the valve membrane has anapproximate circular shape, or the shape of an oval, respectively, anellipse.

The valve membrane may comprise a reinforcing section running throughthe center point, which defines an axis about which the valve membraneis moved. This axis may be, for example, one of the main axes of theaforementioned ellipse or correspond to one of the diameters of thevalve membrane.

According to a further development of the invention the valve membranehas an angular offset on its circumferential outer edge. This angularoffset substantially corresponds to a respective complementary shapedportion of the valve support.

The shaped portion of the valve support is located on one of the frontfaces of the cylinder. If the valve membrane is subjected to acorresponding pressure load it bears with its angular offset against thevalve support, into the shaped portion area, thus resulting in anincreased sealing area and the desired high tightness.

The materials to be used for the valve membrane may be silicone andcaoutchoucs. The respective, quasi two valve flaps of the valve membraneallow, in terms of the respective unit of time, a greater air quantityto be sucked in or removed so that in total the size of the valves canbe reduced, without limiting the air quantities required during thebreathing process.

Furthermore, it may be provided that the breathing aid for swimmers isintegrated in a bathing cap. In this case, the bathing cap has to havean opening in the inhalation valve region for passing this inhalationvalve there through, so that the air supply to the inhalation valve isguaranteed at all times. Also, earphones may be integrated in thebathing cap.

In another embodiment of the present invention at least one connectionhose is provided between the mouthpiece and the nose. Two bellows-typehoses are conceivable, too. The connection hose allows nasal breathing.On the one hand, it would be possible that open nose plugs are formed onthe at least one connection hose, the nose plugs being located on theend of the connection hose that is opposite the mouthpiece. On the otherhand, a nose cover may be attached to the at least one connection hose.The nose cover, respectively, plastic nose can be adapted to differentnose shapes by means of adhesive force or a vacuum, so as to ensure asealed fit around the nose and prevent water from penetrating into thenose.

Basically, the valve introduced herein may also be used for otherapplications.

The invention will be explained in more detail below by means of anexemplary embodiment and with the aid of a figure.

The figure shows an exploded view of the breathing aid for swimmersaccording to the invention.

The breathing aid according to the embodiment is provided with four hosesegments 9; 10, which form a two-part air hose in the assembled statethat rests against the head of the swimmer.

Coupling sleeves 11 serve the attachment of the respective hose ends ofthe segments 9 and 10 on the head part 2 and the mouthpiece 1.

The head part 2 includes a frame-like, resilient bearing surface 20forming a frame around a centric portion.

A recess for the inhalation valve is provided in the head part 2. Thisrecess including the inhalation valve is located opposite the bearingsurface 2.

The inhalation valve consists of a valve support 7, a valve cap 4 and avalve membrane 5 having a fixing and reinforcing web 51.

The valve support 7 has a cylinder, respectively, sleeve shape with twointersecting webs 71; 72.

The valve cap 4 is closed on the backside (41) and includes openingslots 42 on the edge.

The shape of the valve support 7 is adapted to the recess in the headpart 2, which is not visible in the figure, so as to allow a, forexample, locking connection.

In the assembled state, the valve membrane 5 can move about the axis onthe web 51, either to rest against the valve insert 7 in a sealed manneror to unblock the flow path.

The mouthpiece 1 comprises two lateral connection pieces 100 serving tofix the corresponding ends of the pipe segments 9; 10, if applicablewith the aid of the coupling sleeves 11.

In the front portion, the mouthpiece 1 has a flow opening into which thevalve insert 6 of the exhalation valve is inserted.

The exhalation valve with the valve insert 6, too, comprises two webs 62and 63 which are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another.

The valve membrane 5 of the exhalation valve likewise comprises areinforcing web 51.

The valve cap 40 of the exhalation valve may be connected to themouthpiece 1, respectively, the valve insert 6 in a material-fit manner,but also in a form-fit manner. The valve cap 40 includes severalslot-shaped air outlet openings 42, which are arranged such that airflowing out does not surround the field of vision of the swimmer.

The mouthpiece 1 additionally includes a bite plate 110 whichsubstantially corresponds to known snorkels.

To lengthen the air hose, i.e. for varying the position between themouthpiece 1 and the head plate 2, adjusting means are provided each ofwhich comprise a sleeve 8 with an internal thread. The sleeve 8 with theinternal thread respectively receives threaded pipe sections 81 and 82.By means of an opposed thread orientation, and by rotating on the sleeve8, the pipe sections 81; 82 move towards one another or away from oneanother so as to adjust the length, respectively, distance with regardto the position between the mouthpiece and the head plate.

The segments 9 and 10 may have a reinforcing profile 20, which alsoresults in an improved handling of the breathing aid.

The respective valve membranes 5 of the inhalation and exhalation valvesare identical in construction and are easy to exchange, when necessary.

Although the pipe segments in the embodiment shown have an approximatecircular cross-section, shapes deviating from the circular shape may beused in order to minimize the flow resistance of the breathing aid, ifdesired.

The adjusting mechanism 8; 81; 82 also allows the disconnection of theair hose for cleaning it, if required.

The overall construction comprising a head plate, a mouthpiece and alongitudinally adjustable two-part air hose allows the breathing aid tobe reliably fixed to the swimmer's head without requiring othertechnical means, without the risk that the breathing aid is lost orslips off even upon intense swimming movements.

Due to the fact that merely one single inhalation valve is provided,respectively, integrated in the head part, and same is configured as adouble-wing flutter valve, the inhalation even of greater air volumes isnot obstructed. The swimmer can thus refrain from carrying out lateralmotions of rotation, or lifting and lowering the head, which is normallyrequired for breast-stroke swimming or doing the crawl. By this,especially the cervical spine is relieved, and the swimming pleasure isimproved.

1. Breathing aid for swimmers, comprising a mouthpiece having anexhalation valve, wherein, starting from the mouthpiece, a two-part airhose leads to a head part which receives the respective hose ends of thetwo-part air hose, wherein: the head part has a frame-like, resilientbearing surface which, in use, rests against the back of the swimmer'shead, a recess for an inhalation valve is provided in the head part,wherein the recess including the inhalation valve is located oppositethe bearing surface, an insert for longitudinal adjustment is providedin at least one hose part of the two-part air hose, and the inhalationvalve and the exhalation valve are each configured as a flutter valve.2. Breathing aid according to claim 1, wherein the inhalation andexhalation valves each comprises a valve support which respectivelyreceives a valve membrane, wherein a valve cap respectively can be fixedto the valve support, wherein the valve support and the valve cap limitthe path of movement of the respectively received valve membrane. 3.Breathing aid according to claim 2, characterized in that the valvesupport comprises at least two intersecting webs, wherein one of thewebs forms a fixing surface or a fixing edge for the valve membrane. 4.Breathing aid according to claim 3, characterized in that the valve capcomprises a web-like projection pointing to an inside of the cap, whichis located opposite one of the webs of the valve support in theassembled state and thus fixes the valve membrane in a clamping manner,wherein the valve membrane remains movable perpendicular to a clampingaxis.
 5. Breathing aid according to claim 2, wherein the valve supportis integrated in the head part.
 6. Breathing aid according to claim 3,wherein the valve support is inserted into the recess in the head part,wherein a recess web is located in the area of the recess, the recessweb being located opposite one of the webs of the valve support in theassembled state and thus fixes the valve membrane in a clamping manner,wherein the valve membrane remains movable perpendicular to the clampingaxis.
 7. Breathing aid according to claim 4, wherein the valve membraneabuts, in a direction of exhalation, on the inside of the valve cap,thereby unblocking the flow path, wherein the membrane rests against asealing edge of the valve support in a direction of inhalation so as toblock the flow path.
 8. Breathing aid according to claim 6, wherein thevalve membrane moves, in a direction of inhalation, to an inside of therecess, thereby unblocking the flow path, and in the course of theexhalation moves to a sealing edge of the valve support provided there,and rests against the sealing edge so as to block the flow path. 9.Breathing aid according to claim 2, wherein the valve membrane isalternatively or supplementarily fixed to the valve insert in a form-fitmanner.
 10. Breathing aid according to 2, wherein the respective valvecap is at least partially closed on a front face or end face andprovided with opening slots on an edge or circumference.
 11. Breathingaid according to claim 1, wherein the insert for the longitudinaladjustment comprises a sleeve for receiving two pipe sections, whereinan internal thread is formed in the sleeve and an external thread isformed on the pipe sections, wherein further by an opposed threadorientation, and upon rotating the sleeve, the distance of the pipesections and the hose ends connected to same varies relative to oneanother to achieve a longitudinal adjustment of the overall assembly.12. Breathing aid according to claim 2, wherein the valve support has asleeve shape or cylinder shape including the intersecting webs, whereina sealing surface for the valve membrane is provided on or in one of thefront faces of the cylinder.
 13. Breathing aid according to claim 12,wherein the valve membrane has a circular shape or an elliptical shape.14. Breathing aid according to claim 13, wherein the valve membranecomprises a reinforcing section or reinforcing web running through acenter point, which defines an axis about which the valve membrane maybe moved.
 15. Breathing aid according to claim 2, wherein the valvemembrane has an angular offset on its circumferential outer edge, whichsubstantially corresponds to a respective complementary shaped portionof the valve support.
 16. Breathing aid according to claims 12, whereinthe shaped portion is formed on one of the front faces of the cylinder.17. Breathing aid according to claim 1, wherein the breathing aid isintegrated in a bathing cap.
 18. Breathing aid according to claim 17,wherein earphones are integrated in the bathing cap.
 19. Breathing aidaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one connection hose is providedbetween the mouthpiece and the nose.
 20. Breathing aid according toclaim 19, wherein open nose plugs are formed on the at least oneconnection hose on the end that is opposite the mouthpiece. 21.Breathing aid according to claim 19, wherein a nose cover is attached tothe at least one connection hose on the end that is opposite themouthpiece.
 22. Breathing aid according to claim 21, wherein the nosecover can be adapted to different nose shapes by means of adhesive forceand/or a vacuum.